Nationwide Student Poster, Photography and Video Competition on the theme “Cleanliness in Shared Sanitary Facilities is Half Our Health...”, initiated by CYCCA (Cyprus Crohn’s and Colitis Association).
The main purpose of the competition is to highlight the importance of hygiene in general. Environmental cleanliness, as well as cleanliness in personal spaces such as toilets, plays a vital role in reducing infectious diseases. It is also an indicator of a society’s level of civilization.
Children and teenagers should therefore be made aware that clean toilets contribute significantly to limiting infectious diseases. It is worth noting that there are people living with chronic illnesses (Inflammatory Bowel Diseases) for whom access to toilets is particularly important. Inflammation of the large and small intestine creates the need for frequent and immediate access to toilet facilities, especially during disease flare-ups. Maintaining cleanliness in public and private toilets, regular disinfection, an adequate number of facilities, and easy access to public toilets are all critical factors for public health.
Therefore, hygiene can be a decisive factor in the future quality of life of a person living with a chronic illness.
The following points, along with the information below regarding Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, will help in understanding the subject:
1. Entries in the Poster category must use poster techniques rather than painting techniques, with a message that is clear, visible, persuasive, and direct. Poster size: A3.
2. Primary school students may participate only in the Poster category, while students from Secondary Schools, High Schools, and Technical Schools may participate in all three categories.
3. Photographs (high resolution, 300 dpi) must be submitted in A4 size and also sent electronically to cycca.org@gmail.com.
4. Videos must be in HD format, not exceed 60 seconds in duration, and must be submitted electronically to cycca.org@gmail.com.
5. Entries must be original and must not have been submitted to any other competition.
6. Award-winning entries may be used by our Association or the Ministry of Education in ways consistent with the objectives of the competition.
1. Posters may include a short slogan or message incorporated into the design or added as a title or caption.
2. Photographs may include a short slogan or message as a title or caption.
3. Each school may select and submit up to twenty entries to the following address:
CYCCA (Cyprus Crohn’s and Colitis Association)
P.O. Box 27553
2430 Nicosia
Tel: 70008084
Entries must arrive no later than Friday, 14 March 2014. Schools in Nicosia are requested to deliver entries directly to the President of the Association after first calling 70008084. Schools from other cities should send their entries via parcel service marked “CYCCA, Tel. 70008084”.
4. The back of each entry must include the student’s full name, the teacher’s name, and the name of the school.
For better coordination, those interested in participating are encouraged to declare their interest by email (cycca.org@gmail.com) by 15 February. This declaration is not binding.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the first-place winners in each category. Second- and third-place winners in each category will receive additional prizes, while all participating students will receive a certificate of participation. Honorary certificates will also be awarded to teachers who support and participate in the competition with their students.
The Judging Committee will consist of independent and experienced professionals from relevant fields. Participation from the Ministry of Education will also be requested to ensure complete objectivity.
Prizes and other distinctions will be presented at an official ceremony, which will be announced following the meeting of the Judging Committee. An exhibition of selected competition entries will also be organized at the venue.
CYCCA (Cyprus Crohn’s and Colitis Association) was established to promote the well-being of patients and their families affected by these conditions, collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). These diseases affect both children and adults and present as inflammation within the digestive system, primarily in the intestines, although other organs may also be affected in some cases.
Individuals diagnosed with these diseases require immediate medical treatment, and in some cases surgical intervention may be necessary. Medication does not cure the disease but can induce remission for a period of time. Symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, rectal bleeding, frequent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and other related symptoms.
These conditions affect people of all ages but are most common among individuals aged 20 to 30. In recent years, there has been a concerning increase in cases among children. Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are autoimmune diseases, are not contagious, and may develop in anyone at any point in life. It is noteworthy that no references to such diseases existed a century ago. Like many other chronic illnesses, they are associated with lifestyle changes and environmental degradation. It is estimated that there are approximately 5,000 patients in Cyprus and 1,000,000 in Europe.
Due to ulcers and inflammation within the digestive tract, patients experiencing flare-ups often require immediate and frequent access to toilet facilities. This creates challenges in their daily lives and social interactions, particularly among younger people. Specifically:
1. They avoid travelling with groups because they want to remain in control of their journey, as they may need immediate access to a toilet at any time.
2. They experience anxiety when travelling long distances within or outside the city because they cannot be certain that a toilet will be available when needed.
3. When spending time with friends, they may feel embarrassed about needing to use the toilet frequently, especially during adolescence.
4. Young people may avoid joining friends in entertainment venues if there are insufficient toilet facilities, fearing difficulty in obtaining immediate access when necessary (unfortunately, many venues do not comply with legal toilet requirements).
5. Patients may place their health at risk, particularly if they are taking immunosuppressive medication and are forced to use toilets that are not clean and properly disinfected.
6. Students may urgently need to use the toilet and may worry about whether a teacher will grant immediate permission or whether classmates will make comments.
7. In shared public spaces such as parks, beaches, and public or private recreational areas, proper signage indicating the location of toilets is often absent, making access more difficult and time-consuming for patients and the public alike.
8. The absence of clean and properly equipped toilets (toilet paper, disinfectant, locks, liquid soap, air freshener, ventilation, windows, etc.) in public and private spaces remains a significant issue.
